CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Vehicles
News Release For Immediate Release May 15, 2014
Contact: Vicky Waters
[email protected] (916) 653-5115
California State Parks Assumes Full Operations At Kings Beach State Recreation Area KINGS BEACH, Calif. –California State Parks has officially assumed operations and maintenance of Kings Beach State Recreation Area (SRA). State Parks plans to continue working closely with the local community to strengthen the relationship between the department, residents and visitors to this iconic Lake Tahoe recreation area. “The experience, resources and expertise California State Parks brings to Kings Beach, coupled with decades of local knowledge, history and community involvement will provide the background for a successful transition and a bright future for the area,” said General Anthony L. Jackson, director of California State Parks. “Our department is very excited to become part of such a great community and we are looking forward contributing to the success of Kings Beach.” There will be no interruption of any services at Kings Beach SRA during the transition and its parking lot will remain open and accessible year-round. Hours of operation will remain the same (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and day use fees will remain at $10. State Parks will accept day passes previously issued by the North Tahoe Public Utilities District (NTPUD) until further notice. Work continues to establish a park pass that will benefit local residents and visitors. Park rangers and seasonal park staff will begin working and the park will begin operating under State Parks rules and regulations effective today. In the long term, State Parks plans to begin implementation of needed maintenance and accessibility projects around the park to ensure not just American Disability Act (ADA) compliance, but to reach the highest level of service to all visitors. Park operations will be streamlined with the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) and their adjacent North Shore beach properties by the end of the year; and improvements to other facilities consistent with the community plan updating process, park general plan, and the needs of the local community. The transition in management was expedited by the NTPUD decision to cease operations and maintenance six months earlier than previously anticipated. An agreement announced in March 2014 stated State Parks would acquire California Tahoe Conservancy-owned land adjacent to Burton Creek, Washoe Meadows, Lake Valley, and Emerald Bay State Park, and work with
Nevada State Parks to develop an agreement to jointly manage Van Sickle Bi-State Park. The Tahoe Conservancy will acquire 18 vacant lots owned by State Parks in the Rubicon subdivision on Tahoe’s west shore. State Parks and the conservancy will also be partnering on the management and operations of conservancy-owned parcels including Kings Beach Plaza, Coon Street, North Tahoe Beach, Moon Dunes Beach, Secline Beach and Sandy Beach. The parking lot to Kings Beach will be impacted by a previously scheduled construction project. To what degree is not yet know. The construction is part of a revitalization project that will last through the summer. Information will be provided on the level of impact as it becomes known. We advise visitors to be cautious when walking by and driving through the construction zones. For more information visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=511, or call the Kings Beach visitor information line at (530) 583-3074. Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at
[email protected] or via RSS feed. California State Parks Mission To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.